Family & Pets

Best Places To Make Holiday Gift Donations In Washington DC

With so many people in the Washington, D.C. area struggling to get by this holiday season, knowing which charitable organizations need your help the most is key. These donations help children, adults and seniors get by and enjoy the holidays year after year. Whether it’s purchasing a toy or other gift, making a monetary donation or volunteering your time, use these awesome area organizations to give back this year.

The Angel Tree program of the Salvation Army has more than 6,500 children (angels) that are in need of sponsors this holiday season. Sponsors are requested to purchases a gift for a child or children based on their age and gender. You may also donate to their toy drives geared to collect toys for distribution to the children. Individuals are groups may sponsor one or more of the children from the Angel Tree. Volunteers are also needed to sort and distribute the toys to the children. Sponsors may also contribute to the cause online.

Toys for Tots collection campaigns for children begin in October and all drop boxes are picked up Dec. 21. The organization accepts new, unwrapped toys that are placed in collection boxes at local area businesses. The toys are distributed to in-need children in the community in time for Christmas. Monetary donations are also accepted. The group welcomes volunteers to assist with the program; they may sign up by sending an email to the organization.

The Give-a-Gift Program seeks to attend to the needs of the children, parents and seniors in the area. It accepts monetary donations as well as gift cards. The Jewish Social Services Agency provides these items to its clients so they may make their own gift-buying choices for loved ones or themselves. Many also use the donations for much-needed prescriptions or warm clothing. The program also accepts online donations.

The Holiday Project of the National Capital Area, Inc. is a volunteer non-profit organization in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area. The organization needs volunteers to not only provide gifts but to also offer gift ideas and organize groups that can make gifts. It delivers gifts to senior care facilities to brighten their holidays. Appropriate donations include holiday cards and small gifts like stuffed animals. Holiday decorations are also welcomed.

Central Union Mission runs a male-only homeless shelter in Washington, D.C. The organization also provides a variety of social services to underprivileged women and children. Each year it solicits donations for its Operation Christmas Miracle, which benefits children. Donors may “adopt” a child based on his or her age and gender, adopt an entire family, or host a toy drive in their community. All items will meet the needs of underprivileged children. Monetary donations are also accepted.